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@krfinlayson

I was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer, with spread to 8 lymph nodes. I also had Whipple surgery with msv reconstruction in Feb 2021. I started chemo (folfirinox for 6 months - 12 treatments, one every 2 weeks) from April-Sept 2021. After this, bloodwork and CT scans every 3 months. I am still here, with a few differences in my life - I have to take Creon (a digestive enzyme) when I snack or eat, require insulin to control my blood sugars and have some neuropathy, primarily in my hands and feet. I will admit none of this has been a piece of cake, but in my opinion is a small price to pay to still be here with my family. We lost my mother-in-law to pancreatic cancer in 2000 within 4 months of diagnosis, but she was not eligible for surgery and refused treatment. Needless to say, when I was diagnosed my family panicked. I think this has been tougher in my family because they can only watch and try to help. I felt like I was fighting the whole time I was going through surgery, recovery, and chemo. I had physical struggles then. The mental struggle became more real when that was all done - now what? Wait and see what each scan shows? Is the cancer back? Has it spread somewhere else? I had to work hard to turn the scans into a positive proactive thing - we will catch things early enough to resume treatment. I still get some anxiety between scan and results, but I try to only think positively. At this point, it has been 2 yrs since my diagnosis, I have regained about 15 pounds, generally feel ok, but my tumour markers have been climbing. Scans show nothing yet. Dr has been very cautious with any potential issue - I have had one biopsy (negative) and am scheduled for more testing this week. Hopefully it too is good. Your husband can handle whatever comes - he needs you to stay strong for him - try to think positive thoughts, be supportive, let him rest if he is tired, etc. You can do this! Best wishes to you both.

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Replies to "I was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer, with spread to 8 lymph nodes. I also..."

Sort of in the same boat.
Diagnosed June 13th of 2022.
Had Whipple surgery Stage 3. Found six lymph nodes out of 56 cancerous. Had clear margins. My CA 19 is down to 105 from over 3,000.
Just finished 9 of 12 chemo treatments. Will have another CT scan in February.
Live in fear of tumor coming back or spread.